Storage device and method of operating the same

ABSTRACT

Provided herein may be a storage device and a method of operating the same. A storage device for protecting the storage device from physical movement may include a nonvolatile memory device, a sensor unit configured to collect information about physical movement of the storage device, and a memory controller configured to perform a device lock operation of protecting data in the nonvolatile memory device, based on a sensor value acquired from the sensor unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/673,525 filed on Nov. 4, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/919,704 filed on Mar. 13, 2018 and issued asU.S. Pat. No. 10,503,436 on Dec. 10, 2019, which claims benefits ofpriority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0106134 filed on Aug.22, 2017. The disclosure of each of the foregoing application isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of Invention

Various embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to anelectronic device, and more particularly, to a storage device and amethod of operating the storage device.

Description of Related Art

A storage device is a device for storing data under the control of ahost device, such as a computer, a smart phone, or a smart pad. Examplesof a storage device include a device for storing data in a magneticdisk, as in the case of a hard disk drive (HDD), and a device forstoring data in a semiconductor memory, especially in a nonvolatilememory, as in the case of a solid state drive (SSD) or a memory card.

Representative examples of a nonvolatile memory include a read-onlymemory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an electrically programmableROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), aflash memory, a phase-change random access memory (PRAM), a magnetic RAM(MRAM), a resistive RAM (RRAM), a ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), etc.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a storagedevice and a method of operating the storage device, which may protectthe storage device from damage caused by physical movement.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage deviceIncluding a nonvolatile memory device, a sensor unit configured tocollect information about physical movement of the storage device, and amemory controller configured to perform a device lock operation ofprotecting data in the nonvolatile memory device, based on a sensorvalue acquired from the sensor unit.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a memorycontroller for controlling a memory device. The memory controller mayinclude a device lock detection unit configured to output a detectionsignal when a sensor value related to a physical movement of the storagedevice, acquired from an external sensor unit, exceeds a threshold, adevice lock mode setting unit configured to lock the storage device andoutput an enable signal indicating that the storage device is in lockedstatus when a device lock mode, indicating whether a device lockoperation of protecting data in the memory device Is activated, is inenable state, and the detection signal is inputted, and a device lockprocessing unit configured to output an abort signal to an external hostwithout executing a command provided from the external host, in responseto the enable signal.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art to which the presentinvention belongs from the following detailed description in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a storage device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of adevice lock control unit employed in the storage device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart Illustrating the operation of a memory controlleraccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the memorycontroller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the memorycontroller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a memorydevice employed in the storage device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a memorycell array shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration ofany one memory block BLKa of memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration ofany one memory block BLKb of the memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz shown inFIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating an embodiment of the memorycell array shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a diagram Illustrating an embodiment of the memory controllershown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a memory card system to whichthe storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosureis applied.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a Solid State Drive (SSD) systemto which the storage device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is applied.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a user system employing astorage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied indifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

In the drawing figures, dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity ofillustration. It will be understood that when an element is referred toas being “between” two elements, it can be the only element between thetwo elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings. Embodiments are described herein with referenceto cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofembodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from theshapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodimentsshould not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regionsillustrated herein but may include deviations in shapes that result, forexample, from manufacturing. In the drawings, lengths and sizes oflayers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like referencenumerals in the drawings denote like elements.

Terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe variouscomponents, but they should not limit the various components. Thoseterms are only used for the purpose of differentiating a component fromother components. For example, a first component may be referred to as asecond component, and a second component may be referred to as a firstcomponent and so forth without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure. Furthermore, “and/or” may include any one of ora combination of the components mentioned.

Furthermore, a singular form may include a plural from as long as it isnot specifically mentioned in a sentence. Furthermore, the terms“include/comprise” or “including/comprising” used in the specificationrepresent that one or more components, steps, operations, and elementsexist or are added.

Furthermore, unless defined otherwise, all the terms used in thisspecification including technical and scientific terms have the samemeanings as would be generally understood by those skilled in therelated art. The terms defined in generally used dictionaries should beconstrued as having the same meanings as would be construed in thecontext of the related art, and unless clearly defined otherwise in thisspecification, should not be construed as having idealistic or overlyformal meanings.

It is also noted that in this specification, “connected/coupled” refersto one component not only directly coupling another component but alsoIndirectly coupling another component through an Intermediate component.On the other hand, “directly connected/directly coupled” refers to onecomponent directly coupling another component without an intermediatecomponent.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a storage device 50 according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the storage device 50 may include a memory device100, a memory controller 200, and a sensor unit 220.

The memory device 100 may store data for a host 300 that is operativelycoupled to the memory device. The memory device 100 is operated underthe control of the memory controller 200. The memory device 100 mayinclude a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells inwhich data is stored. Exemplary embodiments of the memory device 100 mayinclude a Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), a Low Power Double Data Rate4 (LPDDR4) SDRAM, a Graphics DoubleData Rate (GDDR) SDRAM, a Low Power DDR (LPDDR) SDRAM, a Rambus DynamicRandom Access Memory (RDRAM), a NAND flash memory, a vertical NAND flashmemory, a NOR flash memory device, a resistive random access memory(RRAM), a phase-change memory (PRAM), a magnetoresistive random accessmemory (MRAM), a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), or a spintransfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM). In an embodiment, thememory device 100 may be implemented as a three-dimensional (3D)structure. The present disclosure may also be applied not only to aflash memory in which a charge storage layer is implemented as aconductive floating gate (FG), but also to a charge trap flash (CTF)memory in which a charge storage layer is implemented as an insulatinglayer.

The memory device 100 may receive a command and an address from thememory controller 200, and access a memory region, selected in responseto the address, in the memory cell array. That is, the memory device 100may perform an operation corresponding to the command on the memoryregion selected in response to the address. For example, the memorydevice 100 may perform a program operation, a read operation, or anerase operation. During a program operation, the memory device 100 mayprogram data in the memory region selected in response to the address.During a read operation, the memory device 100 may read data from thememory region selected in response to the address. During an eraseoperation, the memory device 100 may erase data stored in the memoryregion selected in response to the address.

The memory controller 200 may control the overall operation of thememory device 100. The memory controller 200 may control the operationof the memory device 100 in response to a request received from a host300 or regardless of the request received from the host 300.

For example, the memory controller 200 may control the memory device 100so that a program operation, a read operation or an erase operation isperformed in response to the request received from the host 300. Duringa program operation, the memory controller 200 may provide a programcommand, an address, and data to the memory device 100. During a readoperation, the memory controller 200 may provide a read command and anaddress to the memory device 100. During an erase operation, the memorycontroller 200 may provide an erase command and an address to the memorydevice 100.

In an embodiment, the memory controller 200 may autonomously generate aprogram command, an address, and data without receiving a request fromthe host, and transmit them to the memory device 100. For example, thememory controller 200 may provide commands, addresses, and data to thememory device 100 to perform a background operation, such as a wearleveling or a garbage collection operation.

The memory controller 200 may run firmware (FW) for controlling thememory device 100. For example, the memory device 100 may be a flashmemory device, and the memory controller 200 may operate firmware suchas a Flash Translation Layer (FTL) for controlling communication betweenthe host 300 and the flash memory device 100. For example, one of thefunctions of the firmware such as an FTL may be to enable the memorycontroller 200 to convert a logical address included in a requestreceived from the host 300 into a physical address which Is an addressADD to be provided to the memory device 100 and which corresponds to amemory region of the memory device 100.

The memory controller 200 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may include a device lock control unit 210.

The device lock control unit 210 controls the operation of the storagedevice 50 based on the movement of the storage device 50 in order toprevent damage and or loss of data due to the movement.

In operation, the device lock control unit 210 can protect data storedin the storage device 50 or in the memory device 100 included in thestorage device 50, and secure the operation stability of the storagedevice 50. The device lock control unit 210 in conjunction with thesensor unit 220 can perform a device lock operation which may includecollecting information about a physical movement of the storage device50, and preventing or interrupting the execution of a request or commandreceived from the host 300 when a physical movement of the storagedevice 50 above an acceptable movement threshold is detected.

The device lock operation may be activated or deactivated depending onwhether or not a device lock mode is enabled. That is, the device lockoperation may be activated when the device lock mode is enabled, and maynot be activated when the device lock mode is disabled.

The enabling or disabling of the device lock mode may be changedaccording to the control of the host.

For example, the host 300 may provide a command to the device lockcontrol unit 210 of the memory controller 200 instructing the devicelock mode to be enabled. In an embodiment, the command for instructingthe device lock mode to be enabled may be provided using a set featurecommand. The set feature command may be a command for changing the valueof a register in which device lock mode information is stored. Theregister may be included in the memory controller 200. When the setfeature command for instructing the device lock mode to be enabled isinputted from the host 300, the device lock mode may be changed toenabled status.

In an embodiment, a set feature command including instructions for thememory controller 200 to enable the device lock mode may be provided bythe host 300 to the memory controller 200. A password may be included inthe set feature command to be used for enabling the device lock mode.The device lock control unit 210 may store the password provided fromthe host 300.

The host 300 may provide a command to the device lock control unit 210of the memory controller 200 instructing the device lock mode to bedisabled. The command for instructing the device lock mode to bedisabled may be a set feature command. When a set feature command forinstructing the device lock mode to be disabled is inputted from thehost 300, the device lock mode may be changed to a disabled mode.

The memory controller 200 may operate the storage device 50 in anenabled or a disabled device lock mode depending upon a command receivedfrom the host 300.

For example, when the device lock mode is enabled, the device lockcontrol unit 210 may lock the storage device 50 when physical movementof the storage device 50 above an acceptable movement threshold isdetected such that execution of any request or command received from thehost 300 is interrupted or ignored. In contrast, when the device lockmode is disabled, the device lock control unit 210 does not lock thestorage device 50 even when physical movement of the storage device 50above an acceptable movement threshold is detected.

While the storage device 50 is locked, the memory controller 200 mayoutput an abort signal to the host 300 without executing any request orcommand provided from the host 300.

The locked storage device 50 can be unlocked in response to a commandprovided from the host 300 for instructing the locked storage device 50to be unlocked. Here, the host 300 may simultaneously or sequentiallyprovide the command for instructing the storage device 50 to be unlockedand the password to be used to unlock the storage device 50 to thememory controller 200.

For example, the device lock control unit 210 may unlock the lockedstorage device 50 when the password provided from the host matches apassword stored when the device lock mode is enabled.

The detailed operation of the device lock control unit 210 will bedescribed in detail later with reference to FIG. 2.

The sensor unit 220 may collect information about physical movement ofthe storage device 50. Although the sensor unit 220 is illustrated asbeing located outside the memory controller 200 in FIG. 1, the sensorunit 220 may be included in the memory controller 200 in otherembodiments.

The sensor unit 220 may include one or more sensors for collectinginformation about the physical movement of the storage device 50. Thisinformation may be use by the memory controller for detecting thephysical movement of the storage device 50 and for determining whetheror not the detected movement is above an acceptable movement threshold.Alternatively, the sensor unit may detect the physical movement of thestorage device 50 directly, compare it with an acceptable movementthreshold and provide a lock signal to the movement lock control unitwhen the detected movement is in excess of the acceptable movementthreshold. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors included in thesensor unit 220 may include an acceleration sensor, a gravitationalsensor, a terrestrial magnetism sensor or a gyroscope sensor.

The sensor unit 220 may provide sensor values related to physicalmovement, which are collected from the one or more sensors included inthe sensor unit 220, to the memory controller 200. In variousembodiments, the sensor values measured by the sensor unit 220 may beinputted to the memory controller 200 through a General-PurposeInput/Output (GPIO) port of the memory controller 200.

The host 300 may communicate with the storage device 50 using at leastone of various communication methods such as Universal Serial Bus (USB),Serial AT Attachment (SATA), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), High SpeedInterchip (HSIC), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), PeripheralComponent Interconnection (PCI), PCI express (PCIe), Nonvolatile Memoryexpress (NVMe), Universal Flash Storage (UFS), Secure Digital (SD),MultiMedia Card (MMC), embedded MMC (eMMC), Dual In-line Memory Module(DIMM), Registered DIMM (RDIMM), and Load Reduced DIMM (LRDIMM)communication methods.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of thedevice lock control unit 210 of FIG. 1 and an exemplary operationthereof.

Referring to FIG. 2, the device lock control unit 210 may include adevice lock detection unit 211, a device lock mode setting unit 212, adevice lock information storage unit 213, and a device lock processingunit 214.

The device lock detection unit 211 may receive the sensor values fromthe sensor unit 220. The sensor unit 220 may output the sensor values tothe device lock control unit 210 regardless of the control of the devicelock control unit 210, and the device lock detection unit 211 mayacquire sensor values periodically or randomly under the control of thedevice lock control unit 210.

The device lock detection unit 211 may compare each sensor value with apreset acceptable movement threshold TH, and may output a detectionsignal DET to the device lock mode setting unit 212 when the sensorvalue exceeds the preset acceptable movement threshold TH.

The device lock mode setting unit 212 may control enabling or disablingof a device lock operation. In detail, the device lock mode setting unit212 may receive from the host 300 a command for instructing a devicelock mode to be enabled or a command for instructing the device lockmode to be disabled. In an embodiment, the command for instructing thedevice lock mode to be enabled or the command for Instructing the devicelock mode to be disabled may be a set feature command.

When the set feature command for instructing the device lock mode to beenabled is received, the device lock mode setting unit 212 may changethe value of a register in which device lock mode information is storedto indicate the enabled status of the device lock mode. Alternatively,when the set feature command for instructing the device lock mode to bedisabled is received, the device lock mode setting unit 212 may changethe value of the register in which device lock mode information isstored to indicate the disabled status of the device lock mode.

After the set feature command for instructing the device lock mode to beenabled is received from the host 300, the device lock mode setting unit212 may additionally receive a password to be used to unlock the lockedstorage device 50. In various embodiments, the password may be providedto the device lock mode setting unit 212, with the password beingincluded in the set feature command for instructing the device lock modeto be enabled.

The device lock mode setting unit 212 may store the received password inthe device lock information storage unit 213.

The device lock mode setting unit 212 may change the value of theregister, in which the device lock mode information is stored, toindicate the enabled status or disabled status of the device lock modein response to the set feature command provided from the host 300, thatis, the set feature command for instructing the device lock mode to beenabled or the set feature command for instructing the device lock modeto be disabled. The device lock mode setting unit 212 may output a setsuccess signal to the host 300 if the device lock mode has beensuccessfully enabled or disabled in response to the set feature commandprovided from the host 300, that is, the set feature command forinstructing the device lock mode to be enabled or the set featurecommand for instructing the device lock mode to be disabled, and mayoutput a set failure signal to the host 300 if the setting of the devicelock mode has failed.

In an embodiment, when the device lock mode is enabled, the device lockmode setting unit 212 may lock the storage device 50 if the detectionsignal DET is provided from the device lock detection unit 211. When thedevice lock mode is disabled, the device lock mode setting unit 212cannot lock the storage device 50 even when the detection signal DET isreceived.

When the device lock mode is in enabled status, and the detection signalDET Is inputted from the device lock detection unit 211, the device lockmode setting unit 212 locks the storage device 50, and storesInformation (e.g., a password) about the locked status of the storagedevice 50 in the device lock information storage unit 213.

When the storage device 50 is locked, the device lock mode setting unit212 may provide an enable signal ENABLE indicating the locked status ofthe storage device 50 to the device lock processing unit 214.

In an embodiment, the device lock mode setting unit 212 may receive acommand for Instructing the locked storage device 50 to be unlocked fromthe host 300. Here, the command for instructing the locked storagedevice 50 to be unlocked and a password may be simultaneously orsequentially received. The command for instructing the locked storagedevice 50 to be unlocked may be a set feature command.

When the command for instructing the storage device 50 to be unlocked isreceived from the host 300, the device lock mode setting unit 212 maycompare the password, received simultaneously or sequentially with thecommand from the host 300, with a password stored in the device lockinformation storage unit 213. The device lock mode setting unit 212 mayunlock the locked storage device 50 based on the result of comparisonbetween the password, received simultaneously or sequentially with thecommand from the host, with the password stored in the device lockinformation storage unit 213. When the locked storage device 50 becomesunlocked, the device lock mode setting unit 212 may store informationabout the unlocked status of the storage device 50 in the device lockinformation storage unit 213. When the locked storage device 50 becomesunlocked, the device lock mode setting unit 212 may provide a disablesignal DISABLE indicating the unlocked status of the storage device 50to the device lock processing unit 214.

The device lock information storage unit 213 may store information aboutthe locked status or unlocked status of the storage device 50. Thedevice lock information storage unit 213 may store the password receivedsimultaneously or sequentially with the command for instructing thedevice lock mode to be enabled. In an embodiment, the device lockinformation storage unit 213 may be a nonvolatile memory. Alternatively,the device lock information storage unit 213 may indicate a specificregion in the memory device 100 for storing information about the lockedstatus or unlocked status of the storage device 50.

The device lock processing unit 214 may receive the enable signal ENABLEindicating that the storage device 50 is in locked status or the disablesignal DISABLE indicating that the storage device 50 is in unlockedstatus. When a command COMMAND for accessing the memory device 100 isreceived from the host 300 while the device lock mode is in the enabledstatus ENABLE, the device lock processing unit 214 outputs an abortsignal to the host 300 without executing the received command. When acommand COMMAND for accessing the memory device is received from thehost 300 while the device lock mode is in the disabled status DISABLE,the device lock processing unit 214 executes the received command.

In an embodiment, when the enable signal indicating that the storagedevice 50 is in locked status is inputted, the device lock processingunit 214 may perform an operation corresponding to the commandpreviously provided from the host 300 or a flush operation of storingdata, buffered in a write cache buffer included in the memorycontroller, in the memory device 100. However, even in this case, thedevice lock processing unit 214 may not execute a command relating toaccessing the memory device 100, which is inputted from the host 300,after the enable signal ENABLE indicating that the storage device 50 isin locked status has been inputted.

In various embodiments, the command COMMAND related to accessing thememory device 100 may be a write command or a read command.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the memorycontroller 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of the memory controller 200 that setsthe device lock mode to enabled status.

Referring to FIG. 3, the memory controller 200 may determine whether thedevice lock mode is in enabled status at step S301. When the device lockmode is in enabled status, the memory controller 200 terminates theoperation of setting the device lock mode to enabled status, whereaswhen the device lock mode is in disabled status, the memory controllerproceeds to step S302.

At step S302, the memory controller 200 may receive a request to enablethe device lock mode from the host 300. In detail, the memory controller200 may receive a command for instructing the device lock mode to beenabled. In an embodiment, the command for instructing the device lockmode to be enabled may be a set feature command. In various embodiments,the memory controller 200 may receive a password simultaneously orsequentially with the command for instructing the device lock mode to beenabled.

At step S303, the memory controller 200 may store the password, and maychange the value of a register, in which device lock mode information isstored, to indicate the enabled status of the device lock mode.

At step S304, the memory controller 200 may determine whether the devicelock mode has been successfully enabled. If it is determined that thedevice lock mode has been successfully enabled, the memory controller200 may proceed to step S305, otherwise the memory controller 200 mayproceed to step S306.

At step S305, the memory controller 200 may output an enable successsignal to the host 300.

At step S306, the memory controller 200 may output an enable failuresignal to the host 300.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the memorycontroller 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of the memory controller 200 that setsthe device lock mode to disabled status.

Referring to FIG. 4, the memory controller 200 may determine whether thedevice lock mode is in enabled status at step S401. When the device lockmode is in enabled status, the memory controller 200 may proceed to stepS402, whereas when the device lock mode is in disabled status, thememory controller 200 may terminate the operation of setting the devicelock mode to disabled status.

At step S402, the memory controller 200 may receive a request to disablethe device lock mode from the host 300. In detail, the memory controller200 may receive a command for instructing the device lock mode to bedisabled. In an embodiment, the command for instructing the device lockmode to be disabled may be a set feature command.

At step S403, the memory controller 200 may store the password, and maychange the value of a register, in which device lock mode Information isstored, to Indicate the disabled status of the device lock mode.

At step S404, the memory controller 200 may determine whether the devicelock mode has been successfully disabled. If it is determined that thedevice lock mode has been successfully disabled, the memory controller200 may proceed to step S405, otherwise the memory controller 200 mayproceed to step S406.

At step S405, the memory controller 200 may output a disable successsignal to the host 300.

At step S406, the memory controller 200 may output a disable failuresignal to the host 300.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the memorycontroller 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the memory controller 200 whichlocks or unlocks the storage device 50 when a device lock mode is inenabled status.

Referring to FIG. 5, the memory controller 200 may determine whether adevice lock mode is in enabled status at step S501. When the device lockmode is in enabled status, the memory controller 200 may proceed to stepS502.

At step S502, the memory controller 200 may acquire sensor values from asensor unit 220. The sensor values may represent detected physicalmovement of the storage device 50. In detail, the sensor unit 220 maycollect information about physical movement of the storage device 50. Inan embodiment, the sensor unit 220 may include one or more sensors forcollecting information about the physical movement of the storage device50. The one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 220 may includean acceleration sensor, a gravitational sensor, a terrestrial magnetismsensor or a gyroscope sensor. In various embodiments, the memorycontroller 200 may acquire the sensor values measured by the sensor unit220 through a General-Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) port.

At step S503, the memory controller 200 may compare each sensor valuewith a preset acceptable movement threshold TH, and may determinewhether the sensor value exceeds the preset acceptable movementthreshold TH. If the sensor value exceeds the acceptable movementthreshold TH, the memory controller 200 may proceed to step S504,whereas if the sensor value does not exceed the acceptable movementthreshold TH, the memory controller 200 may return to step S502 atintervals of a preset time and may then acquire sensor values.

At step S504, the memory controller 200 may lock the storage device 50.In detail, the memory controller 200 may lock the storage device 50 andmay store information about the locked status of the storage device 50as device lock information. In an embodiment, the memory controller 200may store the device lock information indicating the locked status ofthe storage device 50, either in a nonvolatile memory included in thememory controller 200 or in a memory region of the memory device 100controlled by the memory controller 200.

At step S505, the memory controller 200 may perform an operationcorresponding to the command previously provided from the host 300. Inan embodiment, the memory controller 200 may perform a flush operationof storing data, buffered in a write cache buffer included in the memorycontroller 200, in the memory device 100. In various embodiments, stepS505 may be omitted.

At step S506, the memory controller 200 may receive a command from thehost 300.

At step S507, the memory controller 200 may determine whether thereceived command is a command instructing the locked storage device 50to be unlocked. When the command provided from the host 300 is not acommand instructing the locked storage device 50 to be unlocked, thereceived command may be a command related to accessing the memory device100. In an embodiment, the command related to accessing the memorydevice 100 may be or correspond to a write command or a read command.When the received command is instructing the locked storage device 50 tobe unlocked, the memory controller 200 may proceed to step S509, whereaswhen the received command is not instructing the locked storage device50 to be unlocked, the memory controller 200 may proceed to step S508.

At step S508, the memory controller 200 aborts the execution of thereceived command without executing the command. Here, the memorycontroller 200 outputs an abort signal to the host 300.

At step S509, the memory controller 200 may determine whether apassword, received simultaneously or sequentially with the commandinstructing the locked storage device 50 to be unlocked at step S507,matches a previously stored password. If it is determined that thereceived password matches the previously stored password, the memorycontroller 200 may proceed to step S510, whereas if it is determinedthat the received password does not match the previously storedpassword, the memory controller 200 may return to step S506.

At step S510, the memory controller 200 may unlock the locked storagedevice 50. In this case, information about the unlocked status of thestorage device 50 may be stored as device lock information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of the memorydevice 100 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 6, the memory device 100 may include a memory cellarray 110, a peripheral circuit 120, and a control logic 130.

The memory cell array 110 includes a plurality of memory blocks BLK1 toBLKz. The plurality of memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz are coupled to anaddress decoder 121 through row lines RL. The memory blocks BLK1 to BLKzare coupled to a read and write circuit 123 through bit lines BL1 toBLm. Each of the memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz includes a plurality ofmemory cells. In an embodiment, the plurality of memory cells arenonvolatile memory cells. In the plurality of memory cells, memory cellscoupled to the same word line may be referred to as a single page. Thatis, the memory cell array 110 may be composed of a plurality of pages.In an embodiment, each of the plurality of memory blocks BLK1 to BLKzincluded in the memory cell array 110 may also include a plurality ofdummy cells. One or more dummy cells may be coupled in series between adrain select transistor and the memory cells and between a source selecttransistor and the memory cells.

The memory cells of the memory device 100 may each be Implemented as asingle-level cell (SLC) capable of storing a single data bit, amulti-level cell (MLC) capable of storing two or more data bits, such asa triple-level cell (TLC) capable of storing three data bits, or aquad-level cell (QLC) capable of storing four data bits.

The peripheral circuit 120 may include an address decoder 121, a voltagegenerator 122, the read and write circuit 123, and a data input/outputcircuit 124.

The peripheral circuit 120 may drive the memory cell array 110. Forexample, the peripheral circuit 120 may drive the memory cell array 110so that a program operation, a read operation, and an erase operationare performed.

The address decoder 121 is coupled to the memory cell array 110 throughrow lines RL. The row lines RL may include drain select lines, wordlines, source select lines, and a common source line. In an embodiment,the word lines may include normal word lines and dummy word lines. In anembodiment, the row lines RL may further include a pipe select line.

The address decoder 121 is configured to operate under the control ofthe control logic 130. The address decoder 121 receives the address ADDRfrom the control logic 130.

The address decoder 121 may be configured to decode a block address ofthe received address ADDR. The address decoder 121 may select at leastone memory block from among the memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz in responseto the decoded block address. The address decoder 121 may be configuredto decode a row address of the received address ADDR. The addressdecoder 121 may select at least one word line of the selected memoryblock by applying voltages supplied from the voltage generator 122 to atleast one word line WL in response to the decoded row address.

During a program operation, the address decoder 121 may apply a programvoltage to the selected word line and apply a pass voltage having alevel lower than that of the program voltage to unselected word lines.During a program verify operation, the address decoder 121 may apply averify voltage to a selected word line and apply a verification passvoltage higher than the verify voltage to unselected word lines.

During a read operation, the address decoder 121 may apply a readvoltage to a selected word line and apply a read pass voltage higherthan the read voltage to unselected word lines.

In an embodiment, the erase operation of the memory device 100 may beperformed on a memory block basis. During an erase operation, theaddress ADDR input to the memory device 100 may include a block address.The address decoder 121 may decode the block address and select a singlememory block in response to the decoded block address. During the eraseoperation, the address decoder 121 may apply a ground voltage to wordlines coupled to the selected memory block.

In an embodiment, the address decoder 121 may be configured to decode acolumn address of the received address ADDR. A decoded column addressDCA may be transferred to the read and write circuit 123. In anexemplary embodiment, the address decoder 121 may include componentssuch as a row decoder, a column decoder, and an address buffer.

The voltage generator 122 is configured to generate a plurality ofvoltages using an external supply voltage provided to the memory device100. The voltage generator 122 is operated under the control of thecontrol logic 130.

In an embodiment, the voltage generator 122 may generate an internalsupply voltage by regulating the external supply voltage. The internalsupply voltage generated by the voltage generator 122 is used as anoperating voltage of the memory device 100.

In an embodiment, the voltage generator 122 may generate a plurality ofvoltages using an external supply voltage or an internal supply voltage.The voltage generator 122 may be configured to generate various voltagesrequired by the memory device 100. For example, the voltage generator122 may generate a plurality of erase voltages, a plurality of programvoltages, a plurality of pass voltages, a plurality of select readvoltages, and a plurality of unselect read voltages.

The voltage generator 122 may include a plurality of pumping capacitorsfor receiving the internal supply voltage in order to generate aplurality of voltages having various voltage levels, and may generate aplurality of voltages by selectively activating the pumping capacitorsunder the control of the control logic 130.

The generated voltages may be supplied to the memory cell array 110 bythe address decoder 121.

The read and write circuit 123 includes first to m-th page buffers PB1to PBm. The first to m-th page buffers PB1 to PBm are coupled to thememory cell array 110 through first to m-th bit lines BL1 to BLm,respectively. The first to m-th page buffers PB1 to PBm are operatedunder the control of the control logic 130.

The first to m-th page buffers PB1 to PBm perform data communicationwith the data input/output circuit 124. During a program operation, thefirst to m-th page buffers PB1 to PBm receive data to be stored DATAthrough the data input/output circuit 124 and data lines DL.

During a program operation, the first to m-th page buffers PB1 to PBmmay transfer the data DATA, received through the data input/outputcircuit 124, to selected memory cells through the bit lines BL1 to BLmwhen a program pulse is applied to each selected word line. The memorycells in the selected page are programmed based on the transferred dataDATA. Memory cells coupled to a bit line to which a program permissionvoltage (e.g. a ground voltage) is applied may have increased thresholdvoltages. Threshold voltages of memory cells coupled to a bit line towhich a program prohibition voltage (e.g. a supply voltage) is appliedmay be maintained. During a program verify operation, the first to m-thpage buffers may read data, in which the threshold voltages of memorycells are stored as verify voltages, from the selected memory cellsthrough the bit lines BL1 to BLm.

During a read operation, the read and write circuit 123 reads data DATAfrom the memory cells in the selected page through the bit lines BL, andoutputs the read data DATA to the data input/output circuit 124.

During an erase operation, the read and write circuit 123 may allow thebit lines BL to float. In an embodiment, the read and write circuit 123may include a column select circuit.

The data input/output circuit 124 is coupled to the first to m-th pagebuffers PB1 to PBm through the data lines DL. The data Input/outputcircuit 124 is operated under the control of the control logic 130.

The data input/output circuit 124 may include a plurality ofinput/output buffers (not illustrated) for receiving input data. Duringa program operation, the data input/output circuit 124 receives data tobe stored DATA from an external controller (not shown). During a readoperation, the data input/output circuit 124 outputs the data, providedfrom the first to m-th page buffers PB1 to PBm included in the read andwrite circuit 123, to the external controller.

The control logic 130 may be coupled to the address decoder 121, thevoltage generator 122, the read and write circuit 123, and the datainput/output circuit 124. The control logic 130 may control the overalloperation of the memory device 100. The control logic 130 may beoperated in response to a command CMD received from an external device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the memory cell arrayof FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, the memory cell array 110 includes a plurality ofmemory blocks BLK1 to BLKz. Each memory block has a three-dimensional(3D) structure. Each memory block includes a plurality of memory cellsstacked on a substrate. Such memory cells are arranged along a positiveX (+X) direction, a positive Y (+Y) direction, and a positive Z (+Z)direction. Exemplary memory block structures will be described in detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration ofany one memory block BLKa of the memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz of FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 8, the memory block BLKa includes a plurality of cellstrings CS11 to CS1 m and CS21 to CS2 m. In an embodiment, each of thecell strings CS11 to CS1 m and CS21 to CS2 m may be formed in a ‘U’shape. In the memory block BLKa, m cell strings are arranged in a rowdirection (i.e. a positive (+) X direction). In FIG. 8, two cell stringsare shown as being arranged in a column direction (i.e. a positive (+) Ydirection). However, this illustration is made for convenience ofdescription, and it will be understood that three or more cell stringsmay be arranged in the column direction.

Each of the plurality of cell strings CS11 to CS1 m and CS21 to CS2 mincludes at least one source select transistor SST, first to n-th memorycells MC1 to MCn, a pipe transistor PT, and at least one drain selecttransistor DST.

The select transistors SST and DST and the memory cells MC1 to MCn mayhave similar structures, respectively. In an embodiment, each of theselect transistors SST and DST and the memory cells MC1 to MCn mayinclude a channel layer, a tunneling insulating layer, a charge storagelayer, and a blocking insulating layer. In an embodiment, a pillar forproviding the channel layer may be provided to each cell string. In anembodiment, a pillar for providing at least one of the channel layer,the tunneling insulating layer, the charge storage layer, and theblocking Insulating layer may be provided to each cell string.

The source select transistor SST of each cell string is connectedbetween the common source line CSL and memory cells MC1 to MCp.

In an embodiment, the source select transistors of cell strings arrangedin the same row are coupled to a source select line extended in a rowdirection, and source select transistors of cell strings arranged indifferent rows are coupled to different source select lines. In FIG. 8,source select transistors of cell strings CS11 to CS1 m in a first roware coupled to a first source select line SSL1. The source selecttransistors of cell strings CS21 to CS2 m in a second row are coupled toa second source select line SSL2.

In an embodiment, source select transistors of the cell strings CS11 toCS1 m and CS21 to CS2 m may be coupled in common to a single sourceselect line.

The first to n-th memory cells MC1 to MCn in each cell string arecoupled between the source select transistor SST and the drain selecttransistor DST.

The first to n-th memory cells MC1 to MCn may be divided into first top-th memory cells MC1 to MCp and p+1-th to n-th memory cells MCp+1 toMCn. The first to p-th memory cells MC1 to MCp are sequentially arrangedin a direction opposite a positive (+) Z direction and are connected inseries between the source select transistor SST and the pipe transistorPT. The p+1-th to n-th memory cells MCp+1 to MCn are sequentiallyarranged in the +Z direction and are connected in series between thepipe transistor PT and the drain select transistor DST. The first top-th memory cells MC1 to MCp and the p+1-th to n-th memory cells MCp+1to MCn are coupled to each other through the pipe transistor PT. Thegates of the first to n-th memory cells MC1 to MCn of each cell stringare coupled to first to n-th word lines WL1 to WLn, respectively.

The gate of the pipe transistor PT of each cell string is coupled to apipeline PL.

The drain select transistor DST of each cell string is connected betweenthe corresponding bit line and the memory cells MCp+1 to MCn. The cellstrings in a row direction are coupled to drain select lines extended ina row direction. Drain select transistors of cell strings CS11 to CS1 min the first row are coupled to a first drain select line DSL1. Drainselect transistors of cell strings CS21 to CS2 m in a second row arecoupled to a second drain select line DSL2.

Cell strings arranged in a column direction are coupled to bit linesextended in a column direction. In FIG. 4, cell strings CS11 and CS21 ina first column are coupled to a first bit line BL1. Cell strings CS1 mand CS2 m in an m-th column are coupled to an m-th bit line BLm.

The memory cells coupled to the same word line in cell strings arrangedin a row direction constitute a single page. For example, memory cellscoupled to the first word line WL1, among the cell strings CS11 to CS1 min the first row, constitute a single page. Memory cells coupled to thefirst word line WL1, among the cell strings CS21 to CS2 m in the secondrow, constitute a single additional page. Cell strings arranged in thedirection of a single row may be selected by selecting any one of thedrain select lines DSL1 and DSL2. A single page may be selected from theselected cell strings by selecting any one of the word lines WL1 to WLn.

In an embodiment, even bit lines and odd bit lines, instead of first tom-th bit lines BL1 to BLm, may be provided. Further, even-numbered cellstrings, among the cell strings CS11 to CS1 m or CS21 to CS2 m arrangedin a row direction, may be coupled to the even bit lines, respectively,and odd-numbered cell strings, among the cell strings CS11 to CS1 m orCS21 to CS2 m arranged in the row direction, may be coupled to the oddbit lines, respectively.

In an embodiment, one or more of the first to n-th memory cells MC1 toMCn may be used as dummy memory cells. For example, one or more dummymemory cells are provided to reduce an electric field between the sourceselect transistor SST and the memory cells MC1 to MCp. Alternatively,the one or more dummy memory cells are provided to reduce an electricfield between the drain select transistor DST and the memory cells MCp+1to MCn. As more dummy memory cells are provided, the reliability of theoperation of the memory block BLKa is improved, but the size of thememory block BLKa is increased. As fewer memory cells are provided, thesize of the memory block BLKa is reduced, but the reliability of theoperation of the memory block BLKa may be deteriorated.

In order to efficiently control the one or more dummy memory cells, eachof the dummy memory cells may have a required threshold voltage. Beforeor after the erase operation of the memory block BLKa is performed, aprogram operation may be performed on all or some of the dummy memorycells. When an erase operation is performed after the program operationhas been performed, the threshold voltages of the dummy memory cellscontrol the voltages that are applied to the dummy word lines coupled torespective dummy memory cells, and thus the dummy memory cells may haverequired threshold voltages.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of any one memoryblock BLKb of the memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz of FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 9, the memory block BLKb includes a plurality of cellstrings CS11′ to CS1 m′ and CS21′ to CS2 m′. Each of the plurality ofcell strings CS11′ to CS1 m′ and CS21′ to CS2 m′ is extended along apositive Z (+Z) direction. Each of the cell strings CS11′ to CS1 m′ andCS21′ to CS2 m′ includes at least one source select transistor SST,first to n-th memory cells MC1 to MCn, and at least one drain selecttransistor DST, which are stacked on a substrate (not illustrated) belowthe memory block BLKb.

The source select transistor SST of each cell string is connectedbetween a common source line CSL and memory cells MC1 to MCn. The sourceselect transistors of cell strings arranged in the same row are coupledto the same source select line. Source select transistors of cellstrings CS11′ to CS1 m′ arranged in a first row are coupled to a firstsource select line SSL1. Source select transistors of cell strings CS21′to CS2 m′ arranged in a second row are coupled to a second source selectline SSL2. In an embodiment, source select transistors of the cellstrings CS11′ to CS1 m′ and CS21′ to CS2 m′ may be coupled in common toa single source select line.

The first to n-th memory cells MC1 to MCn in each cell string areconnected in series between the source select transistor SST and thedrain select transistor DST. The gates of the first to n-th memory cellsMC1 to MCn are coupled to first to n-th word lines WL1 to WLn,respectively.

The drain select transistor DST of each cell string is connected betweenthe corresponding bit line and the memory cells MC1 to MCn. Drain selecttransistors of cell strings arranged in a row direction are coupled todrain select lines extended in a row direction. The drain selecttransistors of the cell strings CS11′ to CS1 m′ in the first row arecoupled to a first drain select line DSL1. The drain select transistorsof the cell strings CS21′ to CS2 m′ in the second row are coupled to asecond drain select line DSL2.

As a result, the memory block BLKb of FIG. 9 has an equivalent circuitsimilar to that of the memory block BLKa of FIG. 8 except that a pipetransistor PT is excluded from each cell string.

In an embodiment, even bit lines and odd bit lines, instead of first tom-th bit lines BL1 to BLm, may be provided. Further, even-numbered cellstrings, among the cell strings CS11′ to CS1 m′ or CS21′ to CS2 m′arranged in a row direction, may be coupled to the even bit lines,respectively, and odd-numbered cell strings, among the cell stringsCS11′ to CS1 m′ or CS21′ to CS2 m′ arranged in the row direction, may becoupled to the odd bit lines, respectively.

In an embodiment, one or more of the first to n-th memory cells MC1 toMCn may be used as dummy memory cells. For example, the one or moredummy memory cells are provided to reduce an electric field between thesource select transistor SST and the memory cells MC1 to MCn.Alternatively, the one or more dummy memory cells are provided to reducean electric field between the drain select transistor DST and the memorycells MC1 to MCn. As more dummy memory cells are provided, thereliability of the operation of the memory block BLKb is improved, butthe size of the memory block BLKb is increased. As fewer memory cellsare provided, the size of the memory block BLKb is reduced, but thereliability of the operation of the memory block BLKb may bedeteriorated.

In order to efficiently control the one or more dummy memory cells, eachof the dummy memory cells may have a required threshold voltage. Beforeor after the erase operation of the memory block BLKb is performed, aprogram operation may be performed on all or some of the dummy memorycells. When an erase operation is performed after the program operationhas been performed, the threshold voltages of the dummy memory cellscontrol the voltages that are applied to the dummy word lines coupled torespective dummy memory cells, and thus the dummy memory cells may haverequired threshold voltages.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of the memory cellarray of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 10, the memory cell array may have a two-dimensional(2D) planar structure, not the 3D structure described above withreference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

In FIG. 10, a memory block BLKc includes a plurality of cell strings CS1to CSm. The plurality of cell strings CS1 to CSm may be coupled to aplurality of bit lines BL1 to BLm, respectively. Each of the cellstrings CS1 to CSm includes at least one source select transistor SST,first to n-th memory cells MC1 to MCn, and at least one drain selecttransistor DST.

The select transistors SST and DST and the memory cells MC1 to MCn mayhave similar structures. In an embodiment, each of the selecttransistors SST and DST and the memory cells MC1 to MCn may include achannel layer, a tunneling insulating layer, a charge storage layer, anda blocking insulating layer. In an embodiment, a pillar for providingthe channel layer may be provided in each cell string. In an embodiment,a pillar for providing at least one of the channel layer, the tunnelinginsulating layer, the charge storage layer, and the blocking insulatinglayer may be provided in each cell string.

The source select transistor SST of each cell string is coupled betweena common source line CSL and the memory cells MC1 to MCn.

The first to n-th memory cells MC1 to MCn in each cell string arecoupled between the source select transistor SST and the drain selecttransistor DST.

The drain select transistor DST of each cell string is coupled betweenthe corresponding bit line and the memory cells MC1 to MCn.

The memory cells coupled to the same word line may constitute a singlepage. The cell strings CS1 to CSm may be selected by selecting the drainselect line DSL. One page may be selected from the selected cell stringsby selecting any one of the word lines WL1 to WLn.

In other embodiments, even bit lines and odd bit lines may be providedInstead of the first to m-th bit lines BL1 to BLm. Among the cellstrings CS1 to CSm, even-numbered cell strings may be coupled to theeven bit lines, respectively, and odd-numbered cell strings may becoupled to the odd bit lines, respectively.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the memory controller200 of FIG. 1.

The memory controller 1000 may be coupled to a host and a memory device.In response to a request provided from the host, the memory controller1000 may access the memory device. For example, the memory controller1000 may be configured to control at least one of a write, read, erase,and background operations of the memory device. The memory controller1000 provides an interface between the memory device and the host. Thememory controller 1000 may run firmware such as an FTL for controllingthe memory device.

Referring to FIG. 11, the memory controller 1000 may include a processor1010, a memory buffer 1020, an error correction code (ECC) block 1030, ahost interface 1040, a buffer control circuit 1050, a memory interface1060, and a bus 1070.

The bus 1070 may provide communication and power channels between thevarious components of the memory controller 1000.

The processor 1010 may control the overall operation of the memorycontroller 1000. The processor 1010 may perform a logical operation. Theprocessor 1010 may communicate with an external host through the hostinterface 1040. The processor may communicate with the memory devicethrough the memory interface 1060. The processor 1010 may communicatewith the memory buffer 1020 through the buffer control circuit 1050. Theprocessor 1010 may control the operation of the storage device by usingthe memory buffer 1020 as a working memory, a cache memory or a buffermemory.

The processor 1010 may perform the function of a flash translation layer(FTL). The processor 1010 may translate a logical block address (LBA),provided by the host, into a physical block address (PBA) through theFTL. The FTL may receive the LBA using a mapping table and translate theLBA into the PBA. Examples of an address mapping method performedthrough the FTL may include various methods according to a mapping unit.Representative address mapping methods include a page mapping method, ablock mapping method, and a hybrid mapping method.

The processor 1010 may randomize data provided from the host. Forexample, the processing unit 1010 may use a randomizing seed torandomize data provided from the host. The randomized data may beprovided, as data to be stored, to the memory device and may beprogrammed in the memory cell array.

The processor may derandomize data provided from the memory deviceduring a read operation. For example, the processor 1010 may derandomizethe data provided from the memory device using a derandomizing seed. Thederandomized data may be outputted to the host.

In an embodiment, the processor 1010 may run software, firmware or acombination thereof to perform randomizing and derandomizing operations.

In an embodiment, the processor 1010 may include the device lock controlunit 210, and may perform the operation of the device lock control unit210 which were described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.Alternatively the device lock control unit 210 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be aseparate component of the memory controller 1000.

The memory buffer 1020 may be used as a working memory, a cache memory,or a buffer memory of the processor 1010. The memory buffer 1020 maystore codes and commands executed by the processor 1010. The memorybuffer 1020 may store data that is processed by the processor 1010. Thememory buffer 1020 may include a static RAM (SRAM) or a dynamic RAM(DRAM).

The ECC block 1030 may perform error correction. The ECC block 1030 mayperform ECC encoding based on data to be written to the memory devicethrough the memory interface 1060. The ECC-encoded data may betransferred to the memory device through the memory interface 1060. TheECC block 1030 may perform ECC decoding based on data provided from thememory device through the memory interface 1060. In an example, the ECCblock 1030 may be included as the component of the memory interface 1060in the memory interface 1060.

The host interface 1040 may communicate with the external host under thecontrol of the processor 1010. The host interface 1040 may performcommunication using at least one of various communication methods suchas Universal Serial Bus (USB), Serial AT Attachment (SATA), SerialAttached SCSI (SAS), High Speed Interchip (HSIC), Small Computer SystemInterface (SCSI), Peripheral Component Interconnection (PCI), PCIexpress (PCIe), Nonvolatile Memory express (NVMe), Universal FlashStorage (UFS), Secure Digital (SD), MultiMedia Card (MMC), embedded MMC(eMMC), Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM), Registered DIMM (RDIMM), andLoad Reduced DIMM (LRDIMM) communication methods.

The buffer control circuit 1050 may control the memory buffer 1020 underthe control of the processor 1010.

The memory interface 1060 may communicate with the memory device underthe control of the processor 1010. The memory interface 1060 maytransmit/receive commands, addresses, and data to/from the memory devicethrough channels.

In an embodiment, the memory controller 1000 may not include the memorybuffer 1020 and the buffer control circuit 1050.

In an embodiment, the processor 1010 may control the operation of thememory controller 1000 using codes. The processor 1010 may load codesfrom a nonvolatile memory device (e.g., ROM) provided in the memorycontroller 1000. In an embodiment, the processor 1010 may load codesfrom the memory device through the memory interface 1060.

In an embodiment, the bus 1070 of the memory controller 1000 may bedivided into a control bus and a data bus. The data bus may beconfigured to transmit data in the memory controller 1000, and thecontrol bus may be configured to transmit control information such ascommands or addresses in the memory controller 1000. The data bus andthe control bus may be isolated from each other, and may neitherinterfere with each other nor influence each other. The data bus may becoupled to the host interface 1040, the buffer control circuit 1050, theECC block 1030, and the memory interface 1060. The control bus may becoupled to the host Interface 1040, the processor 1010, the buffercontrol circuit 1050, the memory buffer 1020, and the memory interface1060.

In an embodiment, the memory controller 1000 a memory device 100 may beintegrated into a single semiconductor device. In an embodiment, thememory controller 1000 and the memory device 100 may be integrated intoa single semiconductor device to configure a solid state drive (SSD).The memory controller 1000 and the memory device 100 may be integratedinto a single semiconductor device to configure a memory card. Forexample, the memory controller 1000 and the memory device 100 may beintegrated into a single semiconductor device to configure a memory cardsuch as a PC card (personal computer memory card Internationalassociation: PCMCIA), a compact flash card (CF), a smart media card (SMor SMC), a memory stick, a multimedia card (MMC, RS-MMC, MMCmicro oreMMC), a SD card (SD, miniSD, microSD, or SDHC), or a universal flashstorage (UFS).

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a memory card system to whichthe storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosureis applied.

Referring to FIG. 12, a memory card system 2000 may include a memorycontroller 2100, a memory device 2200, and a connector 2300.

The memory controller 2100 is coupled to the memory device 2200. Thememory controller 2100 may access the memory device 2200. For example,the memory controller 2100 may control the read, write, erase, andbackground operations of the memory device 2200. The memory controller2100 may provide an interface between the memory device 2200 and a host.The memory controller 2100 may run firmware for controlling the memorydevice 2200. The memory controller 2100 may be implemented in the sameway as the memory controller 200, described above with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2.

In an embodiment, the memory controller 2100 may include components,such as a RAM, a processing unit, a host interface, a memory interface,and an ECC block.

The memory controller 2100 may communicate with an external devicethrough the connector 2300. The memory controller 2100 may communicatewith an external device (e.g., a host) based on a specific communicationprotocol. In an embodiment, the memory controller 2100 may communicatewith the external device through at least one of various communicationprotocols such as universal serial bus (USB), multimedia card (MMC),embedded MMC (eMMC), peripheral component interconnection (PCI),PCI-express (PCI-E), advanced technology attachment (ATA), serial-ATA(SATA), parallel-ATA (PATA), small computer small interface (SCSI),enhanced small disk Interface (ESDI), integrated drive electronics(IDE), Firewire, universal flash storage (UFS), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, andnonvolatile memory express (NVMe) protocols. In an embodiment, theconnector 2300 may be defined by at least one of the above-describedvarious communication protocols.

In an embodiment, the memory device 2200 may be implemented as any ofvarious nonvolatile memory devices, such as an Electrically Erasable andProgrammable ROM (EEPROM), a NAND flash memory, a NOR flash memory, aPhase-change RAM (PRAM), a Resistive RAM (ReRAM), a Ferroelectric RAM(FRAM), a Spin-Torque Magnetic RAM (STT-MRAM).

The device lock operation of the memory controller, described above withreference to FIGS. 1 to 5, may be performed by the memory controller2100. Here, the sensor unit 220, described above with reference to FIG.1, may be disposed within the memory device 2200. Alternatively,although not illustrated in the drawing, the sensor unit 220 may beimplemented on the memory card system 2000 independently of the memorycontroller 2100 and the memory device 2200.

In an embodiment, the memory controller 2100 or the memory device 2200may be packaged in any suitable package type such as Package on Package(PoP), Ball grid arrays (BGAs), Chip scale packages (CSPs), PlasticLeaded Chip Carrier (PLCC), Plastic Dual In Line Package (PDIP), Die inWaffle Pack, Die in Wafer Form, Chip On Board (COB), Ceramic Dual InLine Package (CERDIP), Plastic Metric Quad Flat Pack (MQFP), Thin QuadFlatpack (TQFP), Small Outline (SOIC), Shrink Small Outline Package(SSOP), Thin Small Outline (TSOP), System In Package (SIP), Multi ChipPackage (MCP), Wafer-level Fabricated Package (WFP), Wafer-LevelProcessed Stack Package (WSP), or the like, and may be provided as asingle semiconductor package. Alternatively, the memory device 2200 mayinclude a plurality of nonvolatile memory chips, which may be packagedbased on the above-described package types and may be provided as asingle semiconductor package.

In an embodiment, the memory device 2200 may be the memory device 100,described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6 to 10.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a solid statedrive (SSD) system to which the storage device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

Referring FIG. 13, an SSD system 3000 may include a host 3100 and an SSD3200. The SSD 3200 may exchange signals with the host 3100 through asignal connector 3001 and may receive power PWR through a powerconnector 3002. The SSD 3200 may include an SSD controller 3210, aplurality of flash memories 3221 to 322 n, an auxiliary power supply3230, and a buffer memory 3240.

In an embodiment, the SSD controller 3210 may perform the function ofthe memory controller 200, described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and2.

The SSD controller 3210 may control the plurality of flash memories 3221to 322 n in response to the signals SIG received from the host 3100. Inan embodiment, the signals SIG may be signals based on the interfaces ofthe host 3100 and the SSD 3200. For example, the signals SIG may besignals defined by at least one of various interfaces such as universalserial bus (USB), multimedia card (MMC), embedded MMC (eMMC), peripheralcomponent interconnection (PCI), PCI-express (PCI-E), advancedtechnology attachment (ATA), serial-ATA (SATA), parallel-ATA (PATA),small computer small interface (SCSI), enhanced small disk interface(ESDI), integrated drive electronics (IDE), Firewire, universal flashstorage (UFS), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and nonvolatile memory express (NVMe)interfaces.

The auxiliary power supply 3230 may be coupled to the host 3100 throughthe power connector 3002. The auxiliary power supply 3230 may besupplied with power PWR from the host 3100 and may be charged. Theauxiliary power supply 3230 may supply the power of the SSD 3200 whenthe supply of power from the host 3100 is not supplied smoothly. Theauxiliary power supply 3230 may be positioned inside the SSD 3200 orpositioned outside the SSD 3200. For example, the auxiliary power supply3230 may be disposed in a main board and supply auxiliary power to theSSD 3200.

The buffer memory 3240 functions as a buffer memory of the SSD 3200. Forexample, the buffer memory 3240 may temporarily store data provided fromthe host 3100 or data provided from the plurality of flash memories 3221to 322 n or may temporarily store metadata (e.g., mapping tables) of theflash memories 3221 to 322 n. The buffer memory 3240 may be implementedwith a volatile memory such as DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, LPDDR SDRAM, andGRAM or nonvolatile memory such as FRAM, ReRAM, STT-MRAM, and PRAM.

In an embodiment, each of the nonvolatile memories 3221 to 322 n may bethe memory device 100, described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6to 10.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a user system to which thestorage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure isapplied.

Referring to FIG. 14, a user system 4000 may include an applicationprocessor 4100, a memory module 4200, a network module 4300, a storagemodule 4400, and a user interface 4500.

The application processor 4100 may run components included in the usersystem 4000, an Operating System (OS) or a user program. In anembodiment, the application processor 4100 may include controllers,interfaces, graphic engines, etc. for controlling the componentsincluded in the user system 4000. The application processor 4100 may beprovided as a system-on-chip (SoC).

The memory module 4200 may function as a main memory, a working memory,a buffer memory or a cache memory of the user system 4000. The memorymodule 4200 may include volatile RAMs such as DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM,DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, LPDDR SDARM, and LPDDR3 SDRAM, or nonvolatileRAMs such as PRAM, ReRAM, MRAM, and FRAM. In an embodiment, theapplication processor 4100 and the memory module 4200 may be packagedbased on package-on-package (POP) and may then be provided as a singlesemiconductor package.

The network module 4300 may communicate with external devices. Forexample, the network module 4300 may support wireless communication,such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobilecommunication (GSM), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), CDMA-2000, Time DivisionMultiple Access (TDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), WiMAX, WLAN, UWB,Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi communication. In an embodiment, the network module4300 may be included in the application processor 4100.

The storage module 4400 may store data. For example, the storage module4400 may store data provided from the application processor 4100.Alternatively, the storage module 4400 may transmit the data stored inthe storage module 4400 to the application processor 4100. In anembodiment, the storage module 4400 may be implemented as a nonvolatilesemiconductor memory device, such as a Phase-change RAM (PRAM), aMagnetic RAM (MRAM), a Resistive RAM (RRAM), a NAND flash memory, a NORflash memory, or a NAND flash memory having a three-dimensional (3D)structure. In an embodiment, the storage module 4400 may be provided asa removable storage medium (i.e., removable drive), such as a memorycard or an external drive of the user system 4000.

In an embodiment, the storage module 4400 may include a plurality ofnonvolatile memory devices, and each of the plurality of nonvolatilememory devices may be the memory device 100, described above withreference to FIGS. 1 and 6 to 10.

The user interface 4500 may include interfaces which input data orinstructions to the application processor 4100 or output data to anexternal device. In an embodiment, the user interface 4500 may includeuser input interfaces such as a keyboard, a keypad, a button, a touchpanel, a touch screen, a touch pad, a touch ball, a camera, amicrophone, a gyroscope sensor, a vibration sensor, and a piezoelectricdevice. The user interface 4500 may further include user outputinterfaces such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic LightEmitting Diode (OLED) display device, an Active Matrix OLED (AMOLED)display device, an LED, a speaker, and a motor.

In accordance with the present disclosure, there are provided a storagedevice and a method of operating the same, which may protect the storagedevice from physical movement.

While the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have beendisclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions arepossible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure must be definedby the accompanying claims and equivalents thereof rather than by theabove-described embodiments.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed,those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications,additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from thescope and spirit of the present disclosure.

In the above-discussed embodiments, all steps may be selectivelyperformed or skipped. In addition, the steps in each embodiment may notalways be performed in regular order. Furthermore, the embodimentsdisclosed in the present specification and the drawings aims to helpthose with ordinary knowledge in this art more clearly understand thepresent disclosure rather than to limit the bounds of the presentdisclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art to which the presentdisclosure belongs will be able to easily understand that variousmodifications are possible based on the technical scope of the presentdisclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with referenceto the accompanying drawings, and specific terms or words used in thedescription should be construed in accordance with the spirit of thepresent disclosure without limiting the subject matter thereof. Itshould be understood that many variations and modifications of the basicInventive concept described herein will still fall within the spirit andscope of the present disclosure as defined in the accompanying claimsand equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A memory controller in a storage device,comprising: a device lock detection unit configured to output adetection signal related to physical movement of the storage device; anda device lock control unit configured to change an enablement of adevice lock mode by modifying information on the device lock mode storedin a register according to a set command from a host regardless of thedetection signal and to perform a device lock operation to protect datain a memory device based on the detection signal after the device lockmode is enabled.
 2. The memory controller according to claim 1, whereinthe set command includes information for instructing the device lockmode to be enabled.
 3. The memory controller according to claim 1,wherein the memory controller is configured to send an enable signalindicating that the storage device is in locked status according to thedetection signal.
 4. The memory controller according to claim 1, whereinthe memory controller is configured to refrain performing an operationrelating to accessing the memory device in response to the detectionsignal.
 5. The memory controller according to claim 1, wherein thememory controller is configured to send an abort signal to the host. 6.The memory controller according to claim 5, wherein the abort signalindicates that a state of the command provided from the host is ignored.7. The memory controller according to claim 1, wherein the device lockdetection unit is configured to collect information about physicalmovement of the storage device.
 8. The memory controller according toclaim 1, further comprising: a sensor unit configured to detect physicalmovement of the storage device.
 9. A memory controller in a storagedevice, comprising: a device lock detection unit configured to output adetection signal related to physical movement of the storage device; aregister configured to store information on a device lock mode and avalue changed according to a status of a device lock operation; and adevice lock control unit configured to change an enablement of thedevice lock mode by modifying the information on the device lock modeaccording to a set command from a host regardless of the detectionsignal and to perform the device lock operation to selectively perform acommand based on the detection signal after the device lock mode isenabled.
 10. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein thevalue includes information about locked status.
 11. The memorycontroller according to claim 10, wherein the locked status indicateswhether the memory controller is in a state capable of selectivelyperforming an operation corresponding to the command provided from thehost.
 12. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein the memorycontroller is configured to refrain performing an operation relating toaccessing a memory device according to the stored value at the register.13. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein the memorycontroller is configured to perform an operation, previously providedfrom the host, to access a memory device according to the stored valueat the register.
 14. The memory controller according to claim 13,wherein the memory controller is configured to perform a flush operationto provide data temporarily stored in a write cache buffer included inthe memory controller to the memory device.
 15. The memory controlleraccording to claim 9, wherein the memory controller send an abort signalto the host.
 16. The memory controller according to claim 14, whereinthe abort signal indicates that a state of the command provided from thehost is ignored.
 17. The memory controller according to claim 9, whereinthe register is configured to store a password received with the setcommand.
 18. The memory controller according to claim 17, wherein thepassword is used to change the device lock mode.
 19. A memory controllerin a storage device, comprising: a device lock detection unit configuredto output a detection signal related to physical movement of the storagedevice; a register configured to store information on a device lock modeand a value changed according to the detection signal; and a device lockcontrol unit configured to change an enablement of the device lock modeby modifying the information on the device lock mode according to a setcommand from a host regardless of the detection signal, and to lock,during executing of a command provided from the host, the storage deviceto cause to interrupt the executing of the command in response to thedetection signal after the device lock mode is enabled.
 20. The memorycontroller according to claim 19, wherein the value includes informationabout locked status of the storage device.